Study Shows Truck Drivers' High Drug Use

Trucks are everywhere. Large and small, they deliver goods all over the country to fill the shelves of your favorite retailer or grocery store. Just like any job, truck drivers work long hours and have deadlines, which can lead to some to use drugs to deal with the long, monotonous drives. Among the most common drugs used by truckers are opioids, painkillers that can often be prescribed by doctors to treat chronic pain and injuries.

According to a study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, an analysis of drug use in truckers from around the world found high rates of illegal and prescription drug use. Because of the amount of serious trucking accidents that involve opioid abuse, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has proposed adding four commonly prescribed opioids to drug screenings for truck drivers including hydrocodone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, and hydromorphone. A decision will be made to include these drugs after the public has an opportunity to comment through the end of March, 2017.

Because of the seriousness of accidents that involve large trucks, we at Watkins, Lourie, Roll & Chance, PC want to remind you that we have experience fighting for justice and pursuing compensation for those injured by trucks. Truck accidents are complex cases because of the number of entities who may be liable, but our experienced attorneys have the skills and knowledge to help you. We can help you through:

Determining who is liable for the accident

Analyzing and investigating the accident

Working through the federal and state laws trucking agencies adhere to

Fighting for fair compensation

If you've been in an accident with a truck, call the experienced truck accident lawyers at Watkins, Lourie, Roll & Chance, PC today at 404-760-7400 to schedule your free consultation. We proudly serve those who live in and near Atlanta, Savannah, Columbus, Decatur, and Augusta, Georgia.